HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE AREA RUG?

How to Choose the Right Rug Sizes

Choosing the right size area rug can be a challenge. Too big and the rug will swallow the room. Too small and the furniture looks oversized. Here are rug sizing tips from our designers:

Tips for all spaces

Go big
A few inches can make all the difference between the rug pulling the room together or making it feel disjointed. Op for the larger option, especially if you're choosing between sizes, it will prove that it is worth the extra expense every time.

Know the room
When choosing rug size and orientation, make sure it is proportional to the space (large rooms = large rugs), and placed to echo its dimensions (long room = orient lengthwise).

Have a vision of what you want the room to look like
Use painter's tape to mock the rug placement before you buy. This trade secret is an easy way to check that you have the right fit from every vantage point.

Let the room help you decide

To find the right rug sizes for your home, consider the size of each room and the room's furniture groupings – measuring the room and the furniture as a first step. Then choose a rug layout from the common options below.

Living Room

Your living room shape, not just the furniture, should dictate the rug size and orientation to make the space look larger and feel connected. There are three main layouts: all furniture legs resting on the rug, just the front legs on the rug, or all furniture – except for the coffee table – off the rug. If you choose a layout with the sofa on the rug, the rug should extend at least 6" on each side for proper scale. Learn more about these layouts below.

All Legs on the Rug

This layout, which requires the largest rug, is the best choice for anchoring a living room within an open-concept space or for any furniture grouping that floats (has no furniture against a wall). Placing all furniture on the rug will unify the pieces and create a defined seating area.

Front Legs on the Rug

This versatile option works especially well when one edge of the furniture grouping is against a wall. (You don't need to pay for a rug to cover a spot no one sees!) For a cohesive look, choose a rug size that allows for only the front legs of every piece of furniture in the grouping to be on the rug.

Only a Coffee Table on the Rug

 

Perfect for small or narrow spaces, this layout plays off the room's scale to make it feel larger. To get the proportions right, base the rug size on the interior dimensions of your seating area – and not just the coffee table – so it fills the negative space created by your furniture grouping.

Here is a great sizing chart to help you pick the perfect size rug for your living room

• Sofa up to 4′ long – 5′ x 7′ area rug or larger
• Sofa up to 5′ long – 6′ x 9′ area rug or larger
• Sofa up to 6′ long – 7′ x 10′ area rug or larger
• Sofa up to 7′ long – 8′ x 10′ area rug or larger
• Sofa up to 8′ long, sectional sofa or multiple sofas – 9′ x 12′ area rug or larger

Dining Room

Both the shape of your room and dining table should impact whether it's rectangular or round.

Keep the legs on the rug!

We recommend that all legs should be on the rug for this room. The rug should extend at least 24", and no more than 36", beyond all sides of the table, so chairs can sit on a flat surface, even when they are pushed back. Don't forget to account for extendable leaves, if your table has them.

Here is a great sizing chart to help you pick the perfect size rug for your dining room

• 24″ round/square table –  6′ round or square rug
• 36″ round/square table – 7′ round or square rug
• 48″ round/square table – 8′ round or square rug
• 60″ round/square table – 9′ round or square rug
• 72″ round/square table – 10′ round or square rug
• 36″ x 60″ rectangle/oval table – 7′ x 10′ rug
• 48″ x 72″ rectangle/oval table – 8′ x 10′ rug
• 48″ x 96″ rectangle/oval table – 9′ x 12′ rug
• 72″ x 120″ rectangle/oval table – 10′ x 14′ rug

Bedroom

As the focal point of the room, your bed should also be the base for rug placement. Not only will this further define space, but will also give your feet a soft spot to land each morning.

The whole bed on the rug

This layout is very popular. Keep the bed and nightstands on the rug but not other furniture

Most of the bed on the Rug

Another poplar option which frames the bed. Try using an 8'x10' rug under the bed for queen size and a 9'x12' for king.

Using runners on the side

Adding runners on the side of the bed is a great way to frame the bed. 

 

Here is a great sizing chart to help you pick the perfect size rug for your bedroom

• Twin sized bed (39″ x 75″) – 6′ x 9′ to 7′ x 10′ area rug
• Full sized bed (54″ x 75″) – 7′ x 10′ to 8′ x 10′ area rug
• Queen sized bed (60″ x 80″) – 7′ x 10′ to 8′ x 10′ area rug
• King sized bed (76″ x 80″) – 8′ x 10′ to 9′ x 12′ area rug
• Any size – 3′ x 5′ or 4′ x 6′ accent rug on each side of the bed

 

Kitchen

Runner
A well-placed runner can visually extend the space, whether you have a galley kitchen or large island.

Rug in Front of Sink
Rugs in front of the sink are a great. Rugs add comfort and protect flooring such as wood and laminate from sink spills

Hallway

Rugs are a great option in hallways. Make sure to leave the not cover the entire floor and try to leave any furniture in the space off the rug

Entry

Let the shape of your entry help here. Entry rugs are a great way to add color and also help to protect hardwood floors from grit coming in from outside

Rug Pad 

Like carpet padding, a high-quality rug pad can:

• Help your rug last longer, even in high traffic areas
• Add extra comfort by giving your rug a richer, thicker, softer feel
• Keep your rug in place on the floor
• Make your home quieter by helping to absorb sound
• Provide extra thermal insulation, making your home warmer
• Keep your rug easy to clean by allowing greater air flow and dirt removal during vacuuming
• Protect the floor beneath the rug from moisture and staining

Try leaving 1" all the way around your rug for the best look

Remember that rug pads are easy to cut but hard to put back together. Measure twice and cut once!